Program Focus

The Paralegal program prepares students to perform legal work under the direct supervision of an attorney and to work in many areas of law. Coursework focuses on substantive law, legal procedures, and government. Students study civil litigation, criminal procedures, family law, business organizations, real estate, estates and probate, bankruptcy, and intellectual property. They also receive extensive training in the preparation and handling of legal correspondence and legal documents, legal research, legal writing, legal ethics, trial preparation, investigation, and the interpersonal skills vital to success in the business world.

The legal business world requires an advanced knowledge of computer applications. Students of this program develop knowledge of word processing techniques, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics software applications. Additionally, students work with a variety of practice-specific software.

Qualifications

The Paralegal program has been established for men and women who have a strong interest in working in a legal environment and performing substantive legal work under the direct supervision of an attorney. Successful students possess self-initiative, maturity, a positive attitude and efficiently manage time. Previous courses of study that would be helpful include: English, writing, public speaking, computer applications, American government and general business courses. Students are admitted to advanced paralegal classes provided they demonstrate comprehension of the contents of the required courses by achieving a 2.5 overall GPA. Students unable to meet this requirement are encouraged to pursue the Legal Administrative Assistant track.